Maple Ridge, BC: Paws for Hope Animal Foundation applauds the City of Burnaby’s decision to ban the retail sale of cats and dogs. The bylaw follows more than 200 cities across Canada and the U.S. prohibiting the sale of cats, dogs and rabbits in pet stores—including Vancouver, Surrey, Victoria, New Westminster, Delta and Richmond.

“We have been working very hard to have municipalities across the province prohibit pet sales in retail stores. Burnaby City Council was the first council we approached in 2011 to request a ban on the retail sale of cats, dogs and rabbits.,” says Kathy Powelson, Paws for Hope’s executive director, “Seven years later, we are thrilled to see them finally implement a ban to end this inhumane business practice should end.”

The ban in Burnaby is a victory for the community, a victory for the animal welfare community and most of all, a victory for all of the animals who suffer the most.